Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” A Charlotte woman pleaded guilty in federal court for filing false tax returns. Andrivia Wells, a Charlotte-based tax preparer, entered a guilty plea for three out of 35 counts. The woman pleaded guilty…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
This is the Deadliest Street in Charlotte, NC, in Terms of Crime
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” A new report by Charlotte Observer explores the most murderous stretch of road in the city. The street, which is about 3,350 feet long, is one of Charlotte’s “hot…
Should You Turn Yourself in When There is a Warrant for Your Arrest in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” It is scary to think about turning yourself in to the North Carolina police, let alone actually to go to the police station and do it. Many of those who consider…
How an Apology can be Perceived as Confession and Lead to Criminal Charges
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” They say it is better to apologize late than never. However, the same principle does not apply when you are being accused of a crime, especially if you did not commit one. Apologies are often…
Is There Gender Bias When Sentencing Female Teachers Who Have Sex with Male Students?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?” Is there a double standard regarding how North Carolina courts treat female versus male teachers who have sexual relationships with students of the opposite sex? Is a female…
Charlotte Police Creates Map of Violent Crime ‘Hot Spots’ in the City
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” After 108 homicides in Charlotte last year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department prepared a map of violent crime “hot spots” in the city. The map was shown to members of the Charlotte City Council. The department…
Is Groping a Crime in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I am charged by campus police could I still face jail time or probation?” Groping, or touching someone’s body for sexual pleasure against that person’s will is considered a crime in North Carolina. Groping is a form of sexual battery,…
Hit-and-Run Charges in North Carolina: What are the Defenses?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” A hit-and-run is a serious offense in North Carolina. Depending on how severe the victim’s injury is, the fleeing driver may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The at-fault motorist who fled…
Breaking and Entering and Burglary in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Christmas came early for burglars in Charlotte. Two suspects stole Christmas gifts and cash in a recent armed home invasion in the city. The crime highlights the importance…
Hate Crimes Decrease in Charlotte, North Carolina: Penalties and Defense
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” A new report by the FBI showed a slight decrease in hate crimes in Charlotte metro last year compared with 2017. The Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks the number of hate…